Beyond the Hype: Keto Diet

Are you considering the keto diet for weight loss or improved health? Before you dive in, it’s important to understand what it involves and why we, as dietitians at Colour My Plate, approach it with caution.

What is keto diet?

The ketogenic diet, or keto, involves a high-fat, very low-carb approach aiming to induce ketosis where your body primarily burns fat for energy. It’s believed to help with weight loss and potential health benefits.

Why We’re Cautious About Keto:

• Limited Long-Term Research: The keto diet lacks comprehensive long-term studies, making us wary of its safety and sustainability. While short-term results appear promising, the long-term effects remain uncertain.
• Nutrient Gaps: Keto restricts or eliminates some food groups, raising concerns about nutrient deficiencies. Cutting out vital sources of vitamins and minerals can impact overall health.
• Heart Health: High saturated fats in the keto diet can potentially impact heart health We prioritize heart-healthy eating patterns and advocate for the consumption of healthier fats.
• Sustainability Issues: Eating very few carbohydrates, can be tough to keep up with for a long time. It can make things tricky when you’re hanging out with friends or eating at restaurants because you must be very careful about what you eat. This can make it even more difficult to stick to the diet in the long run.

Healthier Alternatives with our meal plans

If your target is to lose weight and be healthy in a balanced way, we suggest trying our Paleo or Low-Carb meal plans at Colour My Plate. These meal plans focus on eating natural foods, lean proteins, and lots of non-starchy vegetables. We substitute foods like rice, potatoes, oats, and quinoa, with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, and greens. Our Low-Carb option is available for our gluten-free, dairy-free, and anti-inflammatory meal plans.

The bottom line

While the keto diet can benefit some individuals, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Our cautious approach stems from concerns about limited long-term research, potential nutrient deficiencies, heart health, and the challenges of sustaining the diet. We encourage you to explore balanced alternatives like our Paleo and Low-Carb plans for sustainable, nourishing health journeys!